Kathrine Frich
A major shift is coming to U.S. airport security.
A major shift is coming to U.S. airport security.
Surprise Memo Signals End of an Era
TSA officers received an unexpected internal memo last week outlining what could be one of the biggest changes to airport security in years.
The shoe rule, in place since 2006, is being phased out at several major airports starting this month.
No More Shoes-Off at These Airports First
Starting Sunday, July 13, passengers flying from Baltimore/Washington, Fort Lauderdale, Cincinnati, Portland, Philadelphia, and Piedmont Triad airports won’t have to remove their shoes at general security.
The rollout is already quietly expanding.
LAX and LaGuardia Passengers Already Seeing Changes
CBS News reported that travelers at Los Angeles International Airport and New York’s LaGuardia were informed on July 7 that shoe removal was no longer necessary, a clear sign that the shift is happening faster than expected.
The ‘Shoe Bomber’ Legacy
The original policy was introduced in response to British terrorist Richard Reid, who attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes during a 2001 transatlantic flight.
The resulting mandate transformed security norms worldwide.
PreCheck Perk Goes Mainstream
Until now, only TSA PreCheck passengers could breeze through security with their shoes on.
Now, general line passengers will enjoy the same privilege, potentially reshaping the entire airport screening experience.
Fast-Track to PreCheck Still an Option
TSA PreCheck will still offer additional perks, but the shoe rule being lifted for everyone means one less incentive to apply.
PreCheck approval typically takes five minutes to apply and less than five days to process, according to the agency.
“Biggest TSA Change in Over a Decade”
Ex-TSA officer Caleb Harmon-Marshall called the new policy “one of the biggest changes to TSA screening in over a decade,” suggesting it could “dramatically reshape the airport experience as we know it.”
Innovation Meets Passenger Convenience
In a statement to The U.S. Sun, a TSA spokesperson confirmed the agency and Department of Homeland Security are “always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture.”
